I knew nothing of Fantasia before I saw this performance back then. This became my fave ever performance of any Idols performance of any country. I pop in every couple of months since then just to relive this magic.
I agree. Fantasia was the righful winner that season. She was very unique, had a strong stage presence, and an oversll great contestant. But I kindda felt America handed it to her very easily by having Diana & Jasmine in the top 3. It was an easy win for her at that point. I still think Fantasia would win in the end, but it would have been a more exciting finale if she battled with Latoya or Jennifer Hudson.
Agreed, butt o me the best American Idol performance ever is 'Summertime" by Fantasia.... Each time I think of AI I always think of it. I am very happy to have seen it on TV at the time.
just beautiful. she's so relaxed and professional in front of a massive tv audience at 19 years old!!! brilliant performance of a lovely classic timeless song.
The best performance! Still listen to this after all these years in awe of her talent! I have seen her live. She will make you laugh cry and then she will take you to church!
the emotions that are conveyed through her vocal inflictions, facial expressions and body movements set her apart from the rest of the field that AI season.
This song still sends chills down my spine every time I hear it. Truly beautiful..I cried the first time I heard it. She is such a great artist and I hope she utilizes her talent to it's full potential. Just beautiful...
One thing that Fantasia may or may not know, but I'm sure she does now being in the industry, is...she can take a standard like this and make it soulful and make it Phenomenal. Every pop standard she did, she should have made into a cd for her 1st time out and would have sold across the board because she did this song justice, just as she did Summertime and other songs. I live for this version. She is much more than a gospel and soul singer, she is a singer.
When I first saw this performance it sent chills through me..Fantasia is truly a brilliant artist. I swear I think I've listened to this about 100 times now...just beautiful.
Why isn't this Woman a HUGE STAR?! I adore Barbra S' and her versions punch me in the heart also. I didn't get to watch Idol this year, and I am sorry now. WOW she made it her own, I can only imagine how hard that is to do when a song is so intimately associated with a genius like Barbra. I just LOVE the fact that Fantasia's version is musically and even lyrically quite different from B's. It makes it easier for me to say look what these 2 AMAZING Women have created. Why isn't she a big star?
I really cant get her version of this song out of my head, it's amazing!!! I want a recorded version so I can listen to it till I get tired of it. Which will be never. ;)
Her interpertation was simply beautiful..without any of that growling she does sometimes..or any other effects..I love Fantasia..growls and all..lol...But the pureness of this vocal is amazing...
This was the first time Fantasia singin made me cry and I dont usually cry when people sing no matter how touching it is. This song was very powerful when she sang it and dedicated it to her daughter.
Im now Confident she will do Oprah and Spielberg proud in the Musical film adaptation of "The Color Purple". DO YOUR THANG FANNIE MAE!!!!! 2023 Here She Come🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️⭐️🌟🌟🌟🌟
Here is the difference between a great singer and a recording artist/star. She sings with all her emotion and heart. She used her baby as inspiration for the performance. Then you look at weeping audience and Paula. That's the difference. Talent shows have a lot of great singers, then you sing it with that much of yourself into it and bring people to emotion. Fantasia is just in another league like Simon mentioned. True dat.
That performance like the performer herself is just beautiful and superior. Loved Fantasia from day one. Just sorry I haven't gotten the chance to meet her in person.
Amazing. She really nailed this very difficult song. I like this more than Sting's version, and even Streisand's. RIP Michel Legrand, the great composer of this piece. I wonder if he ever heard it?
Crazy that in December 2023, this is as hauntingly beautiful as it was when first seeing it when it aired. At 1:18, her notes take the soul to another level. Just breathtaking
Simply the best. I wish she would actually record this... & if she did it got away from me. I’d love this for my wedding... Luckily I have a great friend who blows the hell out of this too though so... yea... beautiful
